Restored Jesus fresco in Spain attracting tourists

Restoration of a flaking century-old fresco of Jesus in Spain has started attracting a lot of tourist, despite being mocked as "Monkey Jesus" earlier, it has been revealed.

81-year-old Cecilia Gimenez took it upon her to restore the fresco on the wall of her local church, but became the target for international lambasting after she was done with it.

However, her "botched up" Jesus has been drawing tourists to the town of Borja in the thousands, CNN reported.

According to Spanish news site, the church, which started charging people to see the mural, has raised 50,000 Euros (72,500 dollars) for a local charity from 70,000 visitors.

Local restaurant and bar owners have claimed that their business have been booming ever since and there are plans to produce official lines of merchandise including plates, postcards and cigarette lighters, with the proceeds split between Gimenez and the local council.

Gimenez, who has sold her artwork on eBay, even opened her own art exhibition in Borja.